Starbucks nationwide to close for emergency re-training Feb. 26

What happens to the training when new people are hired next week and the present ones move on?

I am personally a barista at Starbucks, and this refresher course will be a no-brainer for me.

All of my co-workers call me the anal-retentive one because I do follow all of the standards set by the corporation.

I also happen to know that we as baristas _cannot_ burn your coffee. Our machines that actually brew the coffee only brew the coffee...they don't even keep the coffee warm (trust me...the coffee gets cold) Not only do we re-brew every hour for the flavor profile that we promise, but also so it's hot for you.

If you have an issue with the "burning" of your coffee, that would be more of a roasting profile issue that would be dealt with by going WAY higher up than your friendly barista.

P.S. - Vegans...come to me. I clean off my steam wand and purge it every time before I steam ANY sort of product.

I really wish that Starbucks (not what we really call it!) would just close permanently. They do not want to support our troops or send any of their product over to them. They say that our military personnel asked to go over there and that they don't deserve our help and support. Well, they are fighting for your freedom to serve your overpriced coffee----why can't you support them?? Folgers Columbian is much better than your coffee any day!! You love your freedom----thank any vet!! If you can't do that, well, you just ain't worth nothin'!!!!!

what the hell is so great about starbucks? i went in a few times and the baristas can never get my drink right! it tastes like steamed milk every time. you starbucks baristas, stop taking short cuts when preparing these drinks for god's sake! if i order a hot mocha, then it better tast like mocha! i've learned to go to these mom and pop coffee shops and the service and coffee is so much better. im paying for the taste of the espresso! people just go to starbucks cause they want to walk around looking "cool" with a starbucks cup in their hand. who cares!! i can't believe they waited this long to shutdown for training.....uh hello?? why start now?? their coffee will continue to taste like shit after!!

Starbucks should give out rebates for selling bad coffee before the training. Thanks Bush.

as a starbucks barista, i'd like to say that starbucks DOES carry organic coffee beans. also, the phrase "emergency training" is a bit extreme - keep in mind this is a news article, meant to be attention-grabbing. sure, many baristas have slipped up, but starbucks commits itself to quality, and retraining is a sign of strength rather than weakness. how many dunkin donuts shops or mcdonalds truly care about brewing a great cup of coffee? and fyi, starbucks coffee isn't "burnt," it's just roasted a bit darker to bring out the true flavor of the coffee. most other places just brew it lighter because it's quicker, cheaper, and they expect you to cover the taste with plenty of cream and sugar

IT'S A TRAP!

Emergency espresso-making training? Sure, sure. :) I hate to break it to those of you hoping for a better coffee experience, but sources say it was emergency staff training to help stop Starbuck's fiscal bleeding, folks. A little quality quiet time to teach the fine art of "Upselling" to the Barristas. Just a sign of the economy woes. Expensive coffees are one of the first things to go when budget's tight..... such is life.

Can Starbucks teach their help how to clean their BATHROOMS? I can't tell you how many dirty Starbucks bathrooms I walk into. The toilet seats will make you lose your appitite right way.

A little Clorox and water would take care of the toilet problem. It needs to be done several times a day with the traffic most locations get and the lack of stalls in general. Soap needs to be refilled ditto towels & wastebaskets emptied.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Who are your "sources"? The training was about pulling the perfect espresso shot and correctly steaming milk. If the session was helpful or not, it had nothing to do with "Upselling", only making sure the customers get what they want and pay for. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work and people then should go somewhere else, but don't spread rumors if you don't have your facts straight. Again, so many of you think you know it all, but cannot even spell barista. Need I say more?!

YES! I hope all starbucks remain closed forever! Serves then right for all of the thousands of mom & pop stores they ran out of business across the country, just to sell everyone a $6 cup of coffee!